JP4142849B2 - Beverage dispenser - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to beverage dispensers, and more particularly to a beverage dispenser configuration that greatly improves dispenser performance by increasing the number of beverages dispensed at a desired low temperature.
[0002]
[Prior art]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a prior art beverage dispenser 10. The beverage dispenser 10 has a cooling chamber 11 equipped with a syrup coil and a carbonation device 13. Furthermore, the beverage dispenser 10 has a dispensing valve 14 that is attached to the beverage dispenser 10 and connected to the syrup coil 12 and the carbonator 13. The beverage dispenser 10 has a refrigeration unit (not shown), and the refrigeration unit extends to the cooling chamber 11 to maintain the cooling fluid in the cooling chamber 11 at approximately 0 ° C. (about 32 ° F.). Have
[0003]
The syrup source 15 is connected to a syrup coil 12 that dispenses the beverage syrup to cool before being dispensed from the dispensing valve 14. The syrup source 15 is a figal or box device bag. When the syrup source is a box device bag, the beverage dispenser 10 includes a pump that delivers the syrup to the syrup coil.
[0004]
The carbon dioxide gas source 16 and the water source 17 are connected to the carbonator 13 to distribute carbon dioxide and water. The beverage dispenser 10 includes a pump that sends water to the carbonator 13, although this is not necessary. The carbonator 13 includes a carbonator, which generates carbonated water from water and carbon dioxide gas distributed from the carbon dioxide gas source 16 and the water source 17. In addition, the carbonator 13 has a water line that is placed in front of the carbonator to cool the water or behind the carbonator to cool the carbonated water before sending it to the distribution valve 14.
[0005]
When the dispensing valve 14 is operated to open, carbonated water and syrup metered before dispensing into the cup are mixed at the dispensing nozzle. The dispensing valve 14 has a beverage consisting of syrup and carbonated water in an appropriate ratio before dispensing metered carbonated water and syrup.
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
The beverage dispenser 10 operates properly to dispense beverages below the desired temperature when the ambient temperature is 37.8 ° C (100 ° F), but the ambient temperature is above 37.8 ° C (100 ° F). Do not dispense the beverage below the desired temperature as it rises. The syrup coil 12 and the carbonator 13 cool the syrup and carbonated water to a temperature below the desired distribution temperature of 4.4 ° C. (40 ° F.). Unfortunately, the distribution valve 14 is outside the cooling chamber 11. Therefore, when used in the "casual (Toki偶)", the distribution valve 14, a large amount of syrup and carbonated water is comprised between syrup coils 12 and carbonator 13 is exposed, thus, heated to ambient temperature Is done. As a result, the syrup and carbonated water heated during the dispensing of the beverage are combined with the cold syrup and carbonated water dispensed from the syrup coil 12 and the carbonator 13 to bring the dispensed beverage temperature to 4.4 ° C. (40 ° C. Raise outside the desired temperature in ° F).
[0007]
In addition, the dispenser 14 can be used even when the dispenser 14 is used extensively so that the syrup and carbonated water are not in the dispense valve 14 for a sufficiently long period of time so that the syrup and carbonated water is heated to ambient temperature. The cooling syrup and carbonated water that passes through it absorbs heat from the dispensing valve 14 and heats the dispensing beverage up to a predetermined temperature of 4.4 ° C. (40 ° F.) and raises it to ambient temperature. Therefore, the configuration of the beverage distributor 10 is not optimal. This is because when the atmospheric temperature is 37.8 ° C. (100 ° F.) or higher, it is impossible to produce a beverage having a desired temperature or lower.
[0008]
Thus, a beverage dispenser configuration that dispenses a beverage at a desired temperature of 4.4 ° C. (40 ° F.) in an environment where the temperature normally exceeds 37.8 ° C. (100 ° F.) improves upon the prior art beverage dispenser configuration. To do.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
According to the present invention, the beverage dispenser includes a dispensing nozzle for dispensing the product.
The cooling device cools the product before sending the cooled product to the dispenser nozzle using a minimum length of product tube. The beverage dispenser has a product source and a flow controller disposed in front of the cooling device to regulate the distribution of the product from the product source to the cooling device.
[0010]
In another embodiment, the cooling device comprises a cooling device and a beverage nozzle for dispensing beverage. A syrup coil located in the cooling device delivers the cooling syrup to the dispensing nozzle using a syrup tube having a minimum length. The regulated mixed fluid source cooled by the cooling device sends the cooled mixed fluid source to the dispensing nozzle. The beverage dispenser has a syrup source and a flow controller disposed in front of the syrup coil to regulate the distribution of syrup from the syrup source to the syrup coil.
[0011]
The conditioned mixed fluid source according to the first configuration has a water line arranged in the cooling device for sending water cooled with a water pipe having a minimum length to the distribution nozzle. The regulated mixed fluid source includes a water source and a flow controller disposed in front of the water line to regulate the water feed from the water source to the water line.
[0012]
The regulated mixed fluid source according to the second configuration has a water line arranged in the cooling device for sending cooling water to the distribution nozzle. The water source sends water to the water line, and a flow controller disposed between the water line and the distribution nozzle regulates the distribution of cooling water from the water line to the distribution nozzle.
[0013]
A conditioned mixed fluid source according to the third configuration has a carbonation device located in the cooling device for sending cooled carbonated water to the distribution nozzle using a carbonated water tube having a minimum length. The regulated mixed fluid source includes a water source and a flow controller disposed in front of the carbonator to regulate the distribution of water from the water source to the carbonator. A regulated mixed fluid source of the fourth configuration has a carbonation device disposed in the cooling device for sending cooled carbonated water to the distribution nozzle. The carbon dioxide gas source sends carbon dioxide gas to the carbonator. The water source sends water to the carbonator. A flow controller located between the carbonator and the dispensing nozzle regulates the distribution of cooled carbonated water from the carbonator to the dispensing nozzle.
[0014]
The present invention also relates to a method for improving the performance of a beverage dispenser to dispense a product below a desired temperature. The method includes the steps of providing a dispensing nozzle for dispensing the product, providing a cooling device for cooling the product prior to delivery to the dispensing nozzle, and providing a product source including means for dispensing the product. And a step of preparing a product line for sending the product from the product source to the cooling device, a step of sending the product from the product source to the cooling device via the product line, and a position in the middle of the product line and before the cooling device. Adjusting the distribution of the product from the product source to the cooling device using a flow controller.
[0015]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
FIG. 2 illustrates a configuration that allows for the distribution of products containing “casual” drinks at temperatures below 4.4 ° C. (40 ° F.) even when operating at ambient temperatures in excess of 37.8 ° C. (100 ° F.). A beverage dispenser 20 is shown. The beverage dispenser 20 includes a product source 21, a flow controller 22, a cooling device 23, and a dispensing nozzle 24. Product source 21 includes a suitable beverage such as a post-mixed or pre-mixed beverage containing carbonic acid dispensed using a box device figal or bag. When the box device bag is used, the beverage dispenser 20 includes a product pump (not shown).
[0016]
The flow controller 22 is arranged along the product line 21 </ b> A and adjusts the amount of product supplied from the product source 21 to the cooling device 23, and thus the amount of product supplied from the dispensing nozzle 24. The flow controller 22 is a valve that is actuated either mechanically or electrically so that the product stream can flow from the product source 21 to the cooling device 23. In particular, the valve is a solenoid valve, which is opened by pressing or continuously holding a switch activated by the user, or opened for a predetermined time in response to the switch activated by the user, Or, depending on the switch that the user operates until the flow meter determines that the product source 21 will dispense the desired amount of product. The preferred flow controller is a solenoid actuated valve, but those skilled in the art will appreciate that the solenoid valve can be replaced with a mechanical flow controller, a positive moving flow controller, or a regulated flow controller.
[0017]
The cooling device 23 has a housing that defines a cooling chamber. The cooling chamber contains a cooling fluid, while the housing supports a platform having its cooling unit. The cooling unit has an evaporation coil that creates a cooling fluid bank to maintain the cooling chamber at 0 ° C. (about 32 ° F.). The cooling chamber further has a product coil connected to the inlet to the product line 21A and the outlet to the dispensing nozzle 24 . Although not shown in the block diagram of FIG. 2, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the flow controller 22 is attached to the platform of the cooling device 23. Alternatively, the cooling device 23 consists of an ice storage container having a cooling plate or other suitable means for cooling the product therein.
[0018]
The distribution nozzle 24 is connected to the product coil of the cooling device 23 using a product tube 24A having a minimum length. The dispensing nozzle 24 dispenses the product from the product coil into the cup, and in this preferred embodiment, the dispensing nozzle 24 is a suitable nozzle that flows the product into the cup.
[0019]
In operation, the user presses a switch that opens the flow controller 22 and activates the product pump of the beverage dispenser 20 if necessary. The product source 21 distributes the product to the cooling coil of the cooling device 23 when the flow controller 22 is opened. Product entering the cooling coil of the cooling device 23 moves the cooled product through the cooling coil and flows from the cooling coil through the product tube 24A and the dispensing nozzle 24 to the cup located below. The flow controller 22 remains open to allow product flow depending on the type.
[0020]
If the flow controller 22 is a solenoid valve controlled by the user, it will remain open until the user releases the activation switch of the beverage dispenser 20. When the flow controller 22 is a solenoid that operates at a preset time, the beverage dispenser 20 includes an electrical controller that maintains the solenoid valve open until the preset time expires. If the flow controller 22 is a solenoid valve used in combination with a flow meter, the beverage dispenser 20 includes an electrical controller that monitors the flow meter and the flow meter is sent from the product source 21. Actuate solenoid valve when consistent with desired product quantity.
[0021]
The configuration of the beverage dispenser 20 shown in FIG. 2 improves upon other beverage dispensers. This is because it eliminates the problems that arise when the distribution valve is placed after the cooling device. In the beverage dispenser 20, the product in the product source 21 is at ambient temperature. This is because the product source is not normally cooled. As a result, the product flowing from the product source 21 through the product line 21 </ b> A and the flow controller 22 to the cooling device 23 does not receive heat from the flow controller 22. This is because the flow controller 22 is placed in front of the cooling device 23 and this product is at ambient temperature. Product line 21A sends the product to chiller 23, which cools the product to a desired beverage dispensing temperature of 4.4 ° C. (40 ° F.) or lower. The cooling device 23 sends the product to the distribution nozzle 24 via the product tube 24A . The minimum length of the product tube 24A is such that it does not provide a sufficient amount of heat to raise the product temperature above the desired distribution temperature of 4.4 ° C. (40 ° F.).
[0022]
Further, the minimum length of the product tube 24A is sufficient to raise the product temperature above the desired beverage dispensing temperature of 4.4 ° C. (40 ° F.) when the beverage dispenser is used “casually”. The length is such that a large amount of product cannot be accommodated. Thus, the beverage dispenser has an ambient temperature of 37.8 ° C. (by placing the flow controller 22 in front of the cooling device 23 and minimizing the length of the product tube 24A that sends the product to the dispensing nozzle 24). Even when the temperature exceeds 100 ° F., the beverage can be easily distributed at a desired beverage distribution temperature of 40 ° or less.
[0023]
FIG. 3 shows a beverage dispenser 30 having a configuration capable of dispensing carbonated beverages, which is 4.4 ° C. (40 ° C.) even when operating at ambient temperatures above 37.8 ° C. (100 ° F.). Includes “casual” beverages below the desired dispensing temperature of ° F). The beverage dispenser 30 includes a syrup source 31, a syrup line 31A, a carbon dioxide gas source 32, a water source 33, a water line 33A, flow controllers 34 and 35, a cooling device 36, a syrup coil 37, and a carbonation device 38. And a distribution nozzle 39. The syrup source 31 contains a suitable beverage syrup, which dispenser 30 is dispensed using a box device figal or bag. The beverage dispenser 30 has a syrup pump (not shown) when the box device bag is used. The carbon dioxide gas source 32 is connected to a carbonator 38 that supplies carbon dioxide gas. A water source 33 , which is a public water supply, is connected to the carbonator 38 through a water line 33A for distributing water. If necessary, the beverage dispenser 30 has a pump that delivers water to the carbonator. The carbon dioxide gas source 32, the water source 33, the water line 33A, the flow controller 35, and the carbonator 38 form a regulated mixed fluid source of the beverage dispenser 30. Although the beverage dispenser is configured to dispense carbonated beverages, those skilled in the art will recognize that a water line disposed in the cooling device 36 such that the beverage dispenser 30 includes a mixed fluid source that is tuned to dispense non-carbonated beverages; It will be appreciated that the carbon dioxide gas source and carbonator 38 can be replaced.
[0024]
The flow controller 34 is positioned along the syrup line 31 </ b > A and adjusts the amount of syrup sent from the syrup source 31 to the syrup coil 37, that is, the amount of syrup exiting from the dispensing nozzle 39. The flow controller 34 in this preferred embodiment is a mechanically or electrically operated valve that allows the product source to flow from the syrup source 31 to the syrup coil 37. In particular, the valve is a solenoid valve that opens by responding to a user-activated switch that is opened by pressing or continuously holding a user-activated switch, or a flow associated with the flow controller 35. Controlled by meter and opened. The preferred flow controller is a solenoid operated valve, but those skilled in the art will appreciate that it can be replaced with a mechanical flow controller, a positive moving flow controller, or a regulated flow controller.
[0025]
The flow controller 35 is located along the water line 33A and adjusts the amount of water sent from the water source 33 to the carbonator 38, that is, the amount of carbonated water distributed from the distribution nozzle 39. The flow controller 35 in this preferred embodiment is a mechanically or electrically operated valve that allows the product source to flow from the water source 33 to the carbonator 38. In particular, the valve is a solenoid valve, which opens by pressing or continuously holding a user activated switch, opens for a predetermined time in response to a user activated switch, or flows. The meter is opened in response to a switch activated by the user until the water source 33 dispenses the desired water. The preferred flow controller is a solenoid operated valve, but those skilled in the art will appreciate that it can be replaced with a mechanical flow controller, a positive moving flow controller, or a regulated flow controller.
[0026]
The cooling device 36 has a cooling chamber that contains a cooling fluid and supports a platform having a cooling unit. The refrigeration unit includes an evaporation coil that extends into the cooling chamber to create a cooling fluid reservoir that maintains the cooling chamber at 0 ° C. (32 ° F.). The syrup coil 37 is in the cooling chamber, and has an inlet connected to the syrup line 31 </ b> A and an outlet connected to the distribution nozzle 39. The carbonator 38 is in the cooling chamber, and has a gas inlet connected to the carbon dioxide gas source, a water inlet connected to the water line 33A , and a carbonated water outlet connected to the distribution nozzle 39. Although not shown in the block diagram of FIG. 3, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the flow controllers 34 and 35 are attached to a platform supported by the cooling chamber of the cooling device 36. As another example, the housing contains a cooling plate or syrup and other suitable means for cooling carbonated water.
[0027]
The carbonator 38 includes a carbonator, which forms carbonated water from carbon dioxide and water supplied from a carbon dioxide gas source 32 and a water source 33. The carbonator 38 has a water line that is placed before the carbonator to pre-cool the water or after the carbonator to cool the carbonated water before dispensing to the dispensing nozzle 39.
[0028]
The distribution nozzle 39 is connected to the syrup coil 37 using a syrup tube 37A having a minimum length. Similarly, the dispensing nozzle 39 is connected to the carbonator 38 using a minimum length carbonated water pipe 38A . The distribution nozzle 38 receives syrup from the syrup coil and carbonated water from the carbonator 38, and mixes the syrup and carbonated water before distributing carbonated water to the cup to produce a carbonated beverage. In this preferred embodiment, dispensing nozzle 24 mixes syrup and carbonated water to produce a carbonated beverage prior to dispensing carbonated water into the cup.
[0029]
In operation, the user depresses the switch to open the flow controllers 34 and 35 and activates the syrup pump and water pump of the beverage dispenser 30 if necessary. As the flow controller 34 opens, the syrup source 31 sends the syrup to the syrup coil 37 via the syrup line 31A . The syrup that enters the syrup coil 37 via the syrup line 31A moves the cooled syrup by the syrup coil 37, and flows from the syrup coil 37 through the syrup pipe 37A to the distribution nozzle 39 and flows to the lower cup. Similarly, the controller 35 is opened and the water source 33 sends water to the carbonator 38 via the water line 33A . The water entering the carbonator 38 moves the carbonated water in the carbonator 38 , flows from the carbonator through the carbonated water pipe 38A , exits the distribution nozzle 39, and flows to the lower cup. Flow controllers 34 and 35 remain open so that syrup and carbonated water can flow depending on their type.
[0030]
If the flow controllers 34 and 35 are solenoid valves controlled by the user, they remain open until the user releases the actuation switch of the beverage dispenser 30. When the flow controllers 34 and 35 are solenoid valves that operate for a preset time, the beverage dispenser 30 includes an electronic controller that maintains the solenoid valve open until the preset time expires. If the flow controllers 34 and 35 are solenoid valves used in combination with a flow meter, the beverage dispenser 30 includes an electronic zero controller that monitors the flow meter and the flow meter is desired. When it is determined that the amount of carbonated water is distributed from the water source 33, the solenoid valve is activated.
[0031]
The configuration of the beverage dispenser 30 shown in FIG. 3 improves upon other beverage dispensers. Because the flow controllers 34 and 35 are placed in front of the syrup coil 37 and the carbonator 38, the problems that arise when the distribution valve is placed after the cooling device are eliminated. In the beverage dispenser 30, the syrup of the syrup source 31 and the water of the water source 33 are atmospheric temperature. This is because syrups and water sources are usually not cooled. As a result, the syrup flowing from syrup source 31 through syrup line 31 A and flow controller 34 to syrup coil 37 receives no further heat from flow controller 34. This is because the flow controller 34 is placed in front of the syrup coil 37 and the syrup is already at ambient temperature. Similarly, from a water source 33, water through water line 33A and flow controller 35 flows into the carbonator 38 does not receive more heat from the flow controller 35.
[0032]
This is because the flow controller 35 is placed in front of the carbonator and the water is already at ambient temperature. The flow controller 34 sends the syrup to a syrup coil 37, which cools the syrup to a temperature below the desired beverage dispensing temperature of 4.4 ° C. (40 ° F.). The flow controller 35 sends water to a carbonator 38 that carbonates the water, which cools the water to a temperature below the desired beverage dispensing temperature of 4.4 ° C. (40 ° F.). . The syrup coil 37 and the carbonator 38 send the syrup and carbonated water to the distribution nozzle 39 through the syrup tube 37A and the carbonated water tube 38A . Syrup tube 37A and carbonated water tube 38A are such that the temperature of syrup and carbonated water does not provide sufficient heat to raise the syrup and carbonated water above the desired beverage dispensing temperature of 4.4 ° C. (40 ° F.). It is said that the length.
[0033]
Further, the syrup and carbonated water pipes are sufficient to raise the syrup and carbonated water above their desired beverage dispensing temperature of 4.4 ° C. (40 ° F.) when the beverage dispenser 30 is used “casually”. Minimal length to avoid excessive amounts of syrup and product temperature. Therefore, the beverage dispenser 30 has the flow controllers 34 and 35 disposed in front of the syrup coil 37 and the carbonator 38, and the length of the syrup pipe 37A and the carbonated water pipe 38A for distributing the syrup and carbonated water to the distribution nozzle 39. By minimizing, beverages can be easily dispensed at the desired beverage dispensing temperature even when the ambient temperature exceeds 37.8 ° C (100 ° F).
[0034]
The embodiment shown in FIG. 3 uses a flow controller 35 located in front of the carbonator 38. This is because it is the optimal configuration of the beverage dispenser 30. Nevertheless, those skilled in the art will appreciate that placing the flow controller 35 after the carbonator 38 can reduce manufacturing complexity without significantly degrading the performance of the beverage dispenser 30. The performance of the beverage dispenser 30 is hardly degraded. This is because the amount of carbonated water used to produce carbonated beverages is too small for the amount of carbonated water contained in the flow controller located after the carbonator to affect the overall dispensing temperature of the beverage. This is because the amount is also small.
[0035]
Although the present invention has been described with reference to the foregoing embodiments, such description is for purposes of illustration and those skilled in the art will recognize numerous variations, permeates and various degrees that are within the scope of the present invention. An example of the change will become clear. Accordingly, it is not limited to the foregoing description, but will be made clear only by the following claims.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a prior art beverage dispenser.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a beverage dispenser according to a preferred embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a beverage dispenser that dispenses carbonated beverages.

Claims (8)

A dispensing nozzle (24) for dispensing the product;
A cooling device (23) for cooling the product and sending the cooled product to the dispensing nozzle;
Product source (21);
A product line (21A) for sending the product from the product source (21) to the cooling device (23);
A valve (22) arranged in the middle of the product line (21A) and only in front of the cooling device so as to regulate the distribution of the product from the product source to the cooling device ;
The cooling device (23) is a beverage dispenser that delivers a cooled product to a dispensing nozzle using a product tube (24A) having a minimum length . A dispensing nozzle (39) for dispensing the beverage;
A cooling device (36);
A syrup coil (37) disposed in a cooling device to send cooling syrup to the dispensing nozzle;
A conditioning fluid source cooled by a cooling device to send a cooled mixed fluid to the dispensing nozzle;
A syrup source (31);
A syrup line (31A) for sending syrup from a syrup source (31) to a syrup coil (37);
A valve (34) disposed in the middle of the syrup line and only in front of the syrup coil in order to adjust the distribution of syrup from the syrup source to the syrup coil ,
The syrup coil (37) is a beverage dispenser that sends cooling syrup to the dispensing nozzle (39) using a syrup tube (37A) having a minimum length . The beverage dispenser of claim 2 ,
The conditioning fluid source adjusts the water line disposed in the cooling device (36) to send cooling water to the distribution nozzle, the water source (33), and the water feed from the water source to the cooling device. A beverage controller having a flow controller (35) disposed only in front of the cooling device . 4. A beverage dispenser according to claim 3 , wherein the water line delivers cooling water to the dispensing nozzle using a water tube (38A) having a minimum length . A beverage dispenser according to claim 2 , wherein the conditioning fluid source comprises a water line disposed in a cooling device (36) for sending cooling water to a dispensing nozzle (39), a water source (33), and the water line. And a flow controller (35) disposed between the water line and the dispensing nozzle to regulate the distribution of cooling water from the dispensing nozzle to the dispensing nozzle. 3. The beverage dispenser of claim 2 , wherein the conditioning fluid source includes a carbonator (38) disposed in the cooling device to send cooled carbonated water to the dispensing nozzle, and carbon dioxide gas to the carbonator. A carbon dioxide gas source (32) for delivery to the water source, a water source (33), and a flow controller located only in front of the carbonator to regulate the distribution of water from the water source to the carbonator ( 35). The beverage dispenser of claim 6 , wherein the carbonator sends the cooled carbonated water to the dispensing nozzle using a carbonated water tube (38A) having a minimum length . The beverage dispenser of claim 2 , wherein the conditioning fluid source includes a carbonator (38) disposed in the cooling device (36) for delivering cooled carbonated water to the dispensing nozzle (39), and carbon dioxide. A carbon dioxide gas source (32) for sending gas to the carbonator, a water source (33) for sending water to the carbonator, and adjusting the distribution of cooled carbonated water from the carbonator to the distribution nozzle. And a flow controller disposed between the carbonator and the dispensing nozzle.

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